Clarkson’s Farm’s new season proves why it needs to end

Clarkson’s Farm is back for a fifth go-around, and its predictable viewing is both a comfort and a bore.

I’ll be the first to admit that I often find Jeremy Clarkson insufferable. When he’s not complaining about something in his regular columns or on his own social media, he’s complaining about other people complaining.

Still, like millions of others, I found myself endeared to him in his Amazon Prime Show following the chaotic goings-on at his newly-acquired Diddly Squat Farm, where he’s joined by an ensemble of kooky characters like farm manager Kaleb and the ever-bumbling security guy Gerald.

In the first few seasons, I was genuinely invested in seeing how someone, ostensibly as privileged as Jeremy, would get on with farm life and whether it would thrive or crash and burn.

Now we’re up to season five; however, the novelty has somewhat worn off. The wince-inducing antics of season one just feel rinse-and-repeat at this point.

The ‘easy-to-care’ sheep ended up being a nightmare? Colour me surprised!

What’s especially disappointing is that his once rib-tickling snipey back and forth with Kaleb has lost some of its charm. At times during this season so far, it has felt more contrived than ever.

After the Top Gear star’s health scare last year, season five picks up in the aftermath, with his need for a ‘no stress’ environment quickly becoming a running gag.

In fact, Jeremy not being allowed to get involved with the hands-on labour is the thrust of the storyline for much of the start of the season. The usual scrapes and cuts take on a far more life-threatening slant, to say the least.

The pub has become the new farm, in a way, as Jeremy tackles teething issue after teething issue – from blocked toilets to the eye-popping energy bill.

I must caveat that there is nothing necessarily wrong with this season.

Clarkson’s Farm is a megahit for a reason, and it has cracked the formula for appointment viewing. Not to get philosophical, but I imagine the mantra Amazon is following is: ‘Why fix what isn’t broken?’

There’s the usual weather woes, “oh s**t” moments, bizarre schemes cooked up by Lisa that should border on illegal, and Charlie poking holes in Jeremy’s madhat suggestions (yes, your Santa does need a DBS check before putting kids on his lap).

By far the freshest aspect of the entire endeavour is the political commentary. Although there has been a simmering political furore over the injustice done to farmers throughout the show, it definitely shines brightest this season.

And lays bare at its finest the TV personality’s double standard when it comes to what he believes is and isn’t worth protesting about: Farmers’ rights? Absolutely. Anything else? Woke nonsense, of course.

It’s not entirely clear what the future holds for Clarkson’s Farm. Jeremy had previously said it may come to an end with this one, but since then, he seems to have backpedalled.

There have been reports that new council documents submitted by the Clarkson’s Farm crew indicate it could be back for season six, and Jeremy himself has said he and Amazon are both keen to carry it on.

Much like the animals on the farm that Jeremy grows oh so fond of, you have to know when to let go and accept that it’s time to put them down.

In other words: Quit while you’re ahead.

Clarkson’s Farm season five, episodes one to four, are out on Amazon Prime Video now.

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